L2 test developers often use scripted spoken texts in their L2 listening tests, because it is efficient and practical to create scripted spoken texts that meet predetermined test specifications. But because scripted spoken texts differ in a number of fundamental ways from unscripted spoken language, there are potential threats to validity when…

Acknowledging the distinction between two types of form-focused instruction (FFI) on grammar, this study investigated learners and teachers' stated beliefs about isolated and integrated FFI. Placed in two major groups (ESL and EFL), 120 teachers and 280 learners were recruited from college-wide Intensive English Programs in Iran and USA. The…

This is the first in a two-volume basic course in Guarani, the indigenous language of Paraguay. The volume consists of an introduction to the Guarani language, some general principles for adult language-learning, and ten instructional units. Because the goal of the course is to encourage and lead the learner to communicate in Guarani in class and…

This volume of the basic course in Guarani (the indigenous language of Paraguay) contains the core stage, or class-instructional phase, of the ten units presented in Volume One. These units contain explanations, exercises, dialogues, various types of pattern drills, suggestions for games and communication activities, and various types of…

In a variation of the traditional research report, the background and design of a study of second language acquisition are described, but no substantive results are reported. The intent of the report is to stimulate thinking about theory in language testing. Two questions are investigated: What is it that children learn in second language…

A glossary and notes that accompany an advanced reading text for a basic course in Persian are presented. The course is an intensive program for native English speakers offered by the Defense Language Institute. Idiomatic phrases and sentence structures are explained and special grammar and cultural notes are included. A number of lexical items…

This article describes the way in which the curriculum for intensive French was developed. Reference is made to its similarities to and differences from both the multidimensional curriculum proposed by the National Core French Study and the communicative approach. The importance of learning outcomes stated in terms of communicative outcomes…

This study investigated Japanese students' perceptions of grammar instruction in the United States. Subjects were six university students in an intensive English course focusing on reading and writing, but also including grammar instruction, and using communicative and interactive approaches. Data were drawn from two student questionnaires,…

This is the second volume of the intermediate phase of the German Basic Course. The objective of the intermediate phase is mastery of the structural elements of the German language. Accordingly, each lesson contains the following elements: (1) introduction of new structure through "structure perception drills"; (2) a basic dialog dealing with a…

This is the third volume of the intermediate phase of the German Basic Course. The objective of the intermediate phase is mastery of the structural elements of the German language. Accordingly, each lesson contains the following elements: (1) introduction of new structure through "structure perception drills"; (2) a basic dialog dealing with a…

Reports a study which examined the ability of adult immigrants to communicate as they were completing a 30-week, 900-hour second language program and then again six months later. Two cohorts of learners were interviewed: one comprised of immigrants from Southeast Asia and the other of Poles and Latin Americans. (Author/SED)

This is the fourth volume of the intermediate phase of the German Basic Course. The objective of the intermediate phase is mastery of the structural elements of the German language. Accordingly, each lesson contains the following elements: (1) introduction of new structure through "structure perception drills"; (2) a basic dialog dealing with a…

Investigates Communicative Effectiveness (CE) and Grammatical Accuracy (GA) in fifth-grade students in intensive English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes. Using different types of elicitation tasks in a cross-sectional study, results showed CE and GA are not independent, but the relation between them differs as a function of task type. (28…

Through research and classroom observation undertaken while conceptualizing and implementing the Intensive French program in Canada, many new insights were gained into the development of communication skills in a classroom situation. Five lessons learned about the development of spontaneous oral communication are presented in this article: the…

The teacher's manual for Peace Corps volunteer language training in Ciluba is designed for introductory oral language instruction. It is intended to assist trainees in functioning in the language within at least 6 weeks, and to transmit cultural information about the host country through linguistic structures, texts, and discussion topics. It…